Hospital drinking and use water microbiological analysis; Sakarya

INTRODUCTION & AIM: In this study, microbiological aspects of hospital drinking and potable water and swab samples were examined and it was investigated whether hospital drinking and potable water posed a risk for patients and hospital staff health. MATERIAL & METHOD: Water and swab samples from 40 different drinking and potable water heads were used as materials in our research. Membrane filtration method for microbiological analysis of water samples and single colony dropping method for swab samples were used. In addition, identification of microorganisms growing in the medium used in the study was done with MALDI-TOF MS (BioMerieux, France) device. FINDINGS: As a result of the culture of water and swab samples; production of coliform group bacteria, E. coli, Enterococcus spp. and Legionella spp. were not detected. Producing rates of microorganisms identified with MALDI-TOF MS in swab specimens were; 22,5% Staphylococcus spp., 5% Bacillus spp., 10% Micrococcus luteus, 10% mold&yeast and 2,5% Pseudomonas oryzihabitans. Producing rates of microorganisms identified with MALDI-TOF MS in potable water specimens were; 15% Staphylococcus spp., 15% Bacillus spp., 5% Acinetobacter spp., 5% Delftia acidovorans, 2,5% Ralstonia insidiosa, 2,5% Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2,5% Corynobacterium durum, 2,5% Shingonomas yonoikuyae and 2,5% Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. CONCLUSION: In our bacteriological analysis of drinking and potable water of hospital, no pathogenic bacteria presence was observed and it was found to be in accordance with the relevant regulations. However, it is important to isolate opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in hospital drinking and potable water and swab specimens. Periodic microbiological analyzes of pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens should also be performed periodically in hospital drinking and potable water. It should be kept in mind that immunocompetent patients may be at risk and short-term disinfection procedures should be performed.